Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah, found dead in a California lake, had recalled a late IIT Madras batchmate in his final LinkedIn graduation post. Sharing a convocation photo in July 2025, he wrote, “This milestone would've been much better alongside my dearest friend and batchmate Kedar.” He was referring to Kedar Suresh Chougule, a student from the same 2021–25 BTech batch who died by suicide at IIT-M in April 2023. Both were Chemical Engineering students. In the same post, Saketh dedicated his degree to his late grandfather. US police have not released final findings and are continuing their investigation into the case. (PC: HT)

India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the toss before their T20 World Cup match in Colombo on February 15. India won the toss and chose to bat first, with Pakistan set to bowl. The moment followed India’s no-handshake policy in place since the Asia Cup 2025. When asked about it, Suryakumar avoided details. He said, “Why put so much focus on that? We have come to play cricket.” Agha had earlier said, “Cricket should be played in the right spirit… It’s up to them to decide.” Similar incidents happened in earlier India–Pakistan matches last season. (PC: India Today)

India is weighing a cautious reset in ties with Bangladesh after the BNP won a landslide election victory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman and promised support for a “democratic, progressive and inclusive” neighbour. Relations had worsened after former PM Sheikh Hasina fled to India in 2024. Analysts say cooperation on security and border control remains India’s main concern. Rahman has signalled an independent line, saying, “Not Dilli, not Pindi — Bangladesh before everything.” Experts say mistrust from past BNP rule still shapes Delhi’s view. They add that steady outreach and lower political rhetoric. (PC: BBC)

India national cricket team are set to make a major bowling change for the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan national cricket team in Colombo. Reports indicate pacer Arshdeep Singh could be left out, with spinner Kuldeep Yadav likely to come in. This would give India a three-spinner attack alongside Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel. Match-up numbers support the switch. Kuldeep has taken eight wickets in three T20Is against Pakistan at an economy of 6.58. Arshdeep has seven wickets in four matches with a higher economy rate. Weather has stayed clear so far, though clouds remain around the stadium. (PC: HT)

Imran Khan’s party has raised concern over reports that the former Pakistan prime minister could be moved from jail for medical treatment without family involvement. In a statement, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said any such step done secretly would put his life at risk. The party called it a “blatant violation” of legal and human rights rules. PTI said medical checks must take place with his personal doctors and at least one family member present. Khan is currently held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said a later transfer to a new jail with medical facilities is planned. (PC: X)

Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman, the government announced. Officials said his visit shows the value New Delhi places on ties with Dhaka. Birla, who serves as Lok Sabha Speaker, will attend the ceremony on behalf of the Indian government. The statement said the participation “underlines the importance” of India’s relationship with Bangladesh. Both sides are expected to continue talks on bilateral cooperation and regional issues. The visit comes as the new government in Bangladesh prepares to take office after the recent national election. (PC: India Today)

Weather concerns remain ahead of the T20 World Cup clash between India national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team in Colombo, with dark clouds around the Premadasa Stadium and rain expected to affect play. Two hours before the toss, rain had stayed away but conditions were cloudy and humid. Reports said there was still no sign of the Indian team at the ground at that time. Ground staff kept the outfield fully covered and drainage systems ready. The match also comes amid continued tension over India’s no-handshake policy against Pakistan. Predicted XIs for both sides were announced before the game. (PC: X)

Senior Democratic leaders at the Munich Security Conference sought to calm European allies about US policy under President Donald Trump. California Governor Gavin Newsom told an event, “Donald Trump is temporary. He’ll be gone in three years.” Several Democratic lawmakers said US ties with Europe would remain strong despite recent tensions. Senator Jeanne Shaheen said they were present to give “reassurance” about the value of European allies. Senator Ruben Gallego said, “This is not all Trump … We’re still here.” Some leaders also raised concerns about US election rules and executive powers. Republicans at the event said allies should not overreact to US political rhetoric. (PC: BBC)

Newly released US Justice Department records show messages between Anil Ambani and Jeffrey Epstein about business funding and defence trade discussions during meetings at Epstein’s luxury home. According to document reviews reported by The Indian Express, the two exchanged messages between 2017 and 2019. In one April 2019 iMessage, Ambani wrote, “Will spk. To agree. How can u help to arrange financing at corporate level?” Epstein replied in other chats about hosting finance figures and ministers. One exchange also included a request to “arrange” a woman for a visit. Ambani’s name appears multiple times in the released files. Political reactions have followed in India. (PC : NDTV)

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised India’s no-handshake policy with Pakistan, calling it “silly” and against the spirit of the game. India have followed this policy since the Asia Cup 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack. Ahead of the T20 World Cup clash, Manjrekar said teams should either follow normal cricket customs or not play. “Either play properly within the spirit of the game or don’t play at all,” he wrote on X. India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not confirm if he will shake hands. Pakistan captain Salman Agha said cricket should be played in the right spirit. (PC: India Today)